Bosnia and Herzegovina
Trebinje
Trebinje is the southernmost, sunniest and most picturesque city of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Republic of Srpska), located on the banks of the transparent Trebišnjica River just 30 kilometers from the Adriatic coast and Croatian Dubrovnik. The city is famous for its mild Mediterranean climate, centuries-old plane trees, winemaking traditions and a special leisurely atmosphere.
The city is famous for the arched Ottoman Arslanagic Bridge, ancient Orthodox monasteries, a cozy Old Town with an Austro-Hungarian heritage and the status of the main wine capital of Herzegovina.
How to get to the city
By public transport
⚬ Bus: Regular services connect Trebinje with Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade, as well as with coastal cities of Montenegro and Croatia.
⚬ Cost: Bus from Mostar - about 15–20 BAM (8–10 EUR) one way.
⚬ ⚠️ Tip: If you are coming from Dubrovnik or Montenegro, take into account possible queues at the car borders during the summer season.
Trebinje is often called the most Mediterranean city in the country: there are more than 260 sunny days a year, and the air smells of figs, cypress needles and the sea. The main attraction in the center is the area under the crowns of 16 giant century-old plane trees (Platani), planted back in the Austro-Hungarian era. Under their shadow is the main city cafe, where it is pleasant to drink morning coffee and watch the life of the city.
What to see
Arslanagic Bridge
A 16th-century Ottoman stone bridge with unique arch architecture and flawless reflection in the water.
Hercegovacka-Gracanica Monastery
An Orthodox monastery complex on Crkvina Hill with the best observation deck over the entire city and valley.
Platanov Square
The soul of Trebinje is the summer terrace under the shade of 16 huge plane trees and the traditional morning farmers' market.
Tvrdosh Monastery
An ancient working monastery with wine cellars from the 15th century, where tastings of monastery wines are held.
Old town Kastel
The historical core is inside the fortress walls with Ottoman architecture, a clock tower and quiet alleys.
Jovan Ducic Park
A spacious green city park with fountains, sculptures, the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord and shady alleys.
Herzegovina Museum
The museum is housed in an old Austrian barracks with rich archaeological, ethnographic and art collections.
River Trebišnjica and old water mills
The embankment of one of the longest sinking (karst) rivers in Europe with ancient wheel mechanisms for irrigating fields.
Vukoe Winery
One of the most famous premium wineries in the region with a panoramic restaurant and wine gallery complex.
Austro-Hungarian fortress Strač
The ruins of a giant Austrian fort on top of a mountain above the city are for lovers of hiking and abandoned history.
One of the main architectural masterpieces of the Ottoman period in Herzegovina is the Arslanagića most bridge, erected in the 16th century by order of Mehmed Pasha Sokolović. An elegant stone bridge with double arches and a watchtower spans the emerald Trebišnjica River, creating one of the region's most recognizable postcard panoramas.
Where to stay
Hotel Platani
The main historical hotel of the city, located right on the square under the famous plane trees within walking distance from everything.
Trebinje is an important spiritual center. On the high Crkvina hill overlooking the city, the Hercegovacka Gracanica monastery rises, offering breathtaking views of the entire valley. And a few kilometers from the city there is the ancient Tvrdosh monastery of the 16th century, famous not only for its history, but also for its centuries-old wine cellars, where the monks make one of the best wines in the Balkans.
Where to eat
Restaurant Tarana Stari Grad
A colorful establishment within the walls of the Old Town with traditional Balkan cuisine: juicy grilled meat, roasted lamb and trout.
Stara Hercegovina
An authentic restaurant in a traditional style on the outskirts of the city: hearty meat plates, homemade bread, local cheeses and affordable prices.
The surrounding area of Trebinje is a winemaking center where the autochthonous grape varieties Vranac (rich red) and Žilavka (fresh white) are grown. The town is surrounded by family-run wineries, and at the local market under the plane trees you can buy the famous sack cheese (sir iz mijeha), prosciutto, mountain honey and fresh olive oils.
Places map
👀 What to see
🛏️ Where to stay
🍽️ Where to eat
Additional info
Practical information and history
⚬ Climatic capital of the region: Trebinje is officially considered one of the sunniest cities on the Balkan Peninsula (more than 260 sunny days a year). Due to its proximity to the sea, a special Mediterranean microclimate has formed here, thanks to which plane trees, oleanders, figs and citrus trees have taken root well in the city.
⚬ Austro-Hungarian trace: Before and after the Ottoman period, the city was under the control of Austria-Hungary. It was the Austrians who, at the end of the 19th century, laid out the famous Plane Tree Square, built barracks, fortifications on the surrounding hills and laid out a regular urban layout outside the Ottoman Kastela.
What else should be included in the program
⚬ Vetrenica Cave (Vjetrenica): About 50 km from Trebinje is the largest and most famous cave in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its constant cool winds at the entrance, ancient rock paintings and rare faunal diversity (including the “man fish” - the European protea).
⚬ Duži Monastery (Manastir Duži): A beautiful 16th-century Orthodox monastery located 10 km from the city in the Popovo Polje valley. In the 18th century it served as the residence of the Metropolitan, and today it attracts with its quiet, well-kept gardens, historical relics and its own tradition of producing olive oil and honey.
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